Fabregas’ misfortune has led to a first senior international call-up for Bartra, 22, who may now get a first cap in Spain’s friendlies away to Equatorial Guinea on Saturday Nov. 16 and South Africa three days later.

The Catalan defender won European Championship medals in both 2011 and 2013 with Spain’s U21 side, and has impressed during six starts and three substitute appearances for Barca so far this season.

“Cesc will be out for seven days,” the statement read. “The tests carried out this Monday morning confirmed that the midfielder has a strain in the internal lateral ligament of his right knee, according to the club’s medical services. Therefore he is out for the Spanish national team’s two friendlies. His azulgrana colleague Marc Bartra will take his place in the list.”

Fabregas gave his support to his teammate on Twitter.

Sad for the injury that will keep me a few days off but happy for the opportunity that has been given to @MarcBartra91, good luck mate!